21 Retro Kitchen Photos That Will Transport You Back In Time

Electric ice boxes made their debut in the early 1950s, making home life a lot easier for those who cooked.

The kitchens of the 1980s typically featured neutral colors, such as beige and cream, as shown here. And many featured track lighting.

Kitchens of the late 1950s and early 1960s featured sleek, chrome designs, such as this built-in refrigerator.

The wood paneling of the ’60s and ’70s even made its way into kitchens, along with bringing colors and wallpaper patterns to accent the dark woods.

The 1950s and 1960s brought the invention of many common household appliances, making cooking easier and more convenient.

Open-concept kitchens gained popularity in the 1980s, creating more space for dining, entertaining, and cooking.

In the 1950s, dishwashers were still a luxury item. But by the 1970s, almost everyone had one in their kitchen.

The 80s were a cozy time with bustling kitchens that made use of every inch of space. Patterned fabric, tiled countertops, and pastel blues rounded out the look.

In the 1950s, the kitchen was the hub of the home. Moms cooked, while the children did homework or played at the kitchen table.

The 1960s saw the advent of built-in appliances, which saved space in small kitchens. This kitchen features an over-the-range oven, which was quite popular for the time.

Homemakers made use of double-basin sinks in the 1960s. Along with better drainage, they helped homemakers with double-tasking. One side of the sink could be used for washing, and the other for prepping food.

Window treatments were popular during the turn of the century, even in the kitchen. The 1950s favored cafe curtains, featuring scalloped and intricate designs.

Orange became a popular color in the 1960s, representing the counterculture and a return to nature.

The kitchens of the 1960s were often checkerboarded in sturdy linoleum or tile. But they didn’t keep the black and white of the previous decade, and instead preferred more vivid colors like the green shown here.

Pink was popular in the 1950s kitchen, but the trend made a big comeback in the 1970s. This pastel and pink kitchen exemplifies the vibrant colors that were popular during that era.

Kitchen islands made their debut in the 1980s, becoming an integral part of the open-plan concept that many homeowners gravitated towards.

The stove pictured here is a classic model from the era, characterized by its simple design and knobs for controlling heat. This style emphasizes functionality over ornamental features.

The first microwave was introduced in 1967 for over $400. Today, you can get one for under $100.

Mid-century modern kitchens of the 1950s and 1960s featured clean, minimalist lines with a few unexpected touches, such as the scalloped trim here.

Dinette sets served a dual purpose in the 1950s, as both a workspace and a dining area. This was especially helpful in smaller kitchens.